Foreign Tournaments

[MattyKeymaster]

After travelling to many events over the past twelve months I’ve found that countless players like me would love to play in chess events abroad, but for whatever reason they just never get around to it.

Personally I believe the key factors are the organisation of it all and simply going alone.  I understand what all this feels like especially after a 7 hour flight alone to Philadelphia to play the World Open… which was amazing by the way!

So, my idea with this new topic is, why don’t we organise an annual group adventure to a tournament abroad!  Some of the places I have visited (namely for the European Club Cup with White Rose) are places I wouldn’t dream of visiting for a holday; Macedonia, Bulgaria & Slovenia but still these are all places i’m pleased to say I’ve visited.

I’m sure any foreign event would be immensely grateful of a substantial presence of foreign players in their events. Your thoughts please…

[aanepadeMember]

I had never even heard of the World Open until I saw it on your blog… got to say it was definitely something that caught my eye (particularly as I’ve got friends in Philly…). I guess the cost may be prohibitive for many – but I’d definitely be interested in taking part. I guess the other main question is grading – do you need to be FIDE rated to play in these events (I doubt the YCA grade counts for much in Macedonia, for example)?

[MattyKeymaster]

You don’t need a FIDE rating to play in any of these events (winning prizes in lower sections may be an issue however). But of course once you have played 11 rated games you will have your own rating anyway.

Should you want a rating before travelling to such an event Sean Hewitt runs the e2e4 chess events which are brilliant for anyone (any strength) in the UK who wants to attain their first published rating. The 4NCL is also another avenue… You probably already knew about both i’m sure.

One thing to note about US chess however is the entry fees, these are substantially more than they’re here, you also need to become a member of the USCF.  This may put some players off but when you think they run events for sections 1400/1600/1800 etc i.e 100, 120, 140 (YCA equivalent) with prizes as much $15,000 for first prize!  Now see how much pressure you feel under converting that ‘simple’ winning Rook ending! haha I can’t wait to play in the States again, it was amazing.

Other European events charge similar entrance fees to us so the additional cost would be flights & accommodation. Things planned well in advance can save you lots of money as to can travelling in groups.

[groblerMember]

well….I quite fancy playing abroad…and Im playing 4NCL and (hopefully) at least 1 of Seans events…with the sole purpose of getting a FIDE rating !
However…Im a bit mean , and dont fancy the States . But a cheap and cheerful Jet2 flight to say Prague for example?….how good would that be

[MattyKeymaster]

Hey Grobler,

Yes that was certainly more what I was thinking, a short flight (under 4 hours) to somewhere in Europe.

With lots of events to choose from the cost of accommodation near these places can be planned and worked out to be very reasonable !  Players on a budget will hopefully see this and come along, lets get people involved.

Prague would be pretty awesome – here is a good website for all the events in that area Link

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